Easton Cowan is confident his 200-foot game can help Maple Leafs

Entering his third training camp with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Easton Cowan feels he’s ready to make the jump to pro hockey. After a few weeks of camp, and another preseason game Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings under his belt, there’s no question – Cowan is ready to make his NHL debut.

The former first-round pick played scattered minutes against the Red Wings, thanks in large part to the parade to the penalty box by a bunch of his teammates. It was a sloppy game at times for the Maple Leafs, and even Cowan had one play he’d love to have back, but at the end of the day, Cowan feels like he’s right where he’s supposed to be, and that his game stacks up against the pros.

“I’d say so,” Cowan said when asked if he thought he’d still be in training camp. “Ever since day one, I’ve had that day-by-day mindset, so I’m gonna stick with it.”

“Obviously it’s a tough league, a lot of good players. They have a good team over there, but a lot of penalties tonight, and you just have to find a way to get your feet into it. I felt like I did a good job of that tonight.”

Cowan has solidified a spot on the Maple Leafs’ fourth line, a role he’s not necessarily used to. While it’s more of a checking role than he’s used to, his line is also going to be counted on to chip in with secondary scoring. Against the Red Wings on Thursday, there were a couple of instances in which Cowan was crushed along the boards. At just 20 years old, and a somewhat undersized winger, those things happen.

What’s stood out the most throughout camp so far is his chemistry with Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz. And considering how much Craig Berube likes to balance out his minutes, there could be games where the ‘fourth’ line pushes for the most minutes. Cowan knows getting stronger and faster in the offseason has really benefited him throughout training camp, and should set himself up for success once the puck drops on the regular season.

“Yeah, I feel stronger, so, I put myself in those situations, and I know I can be a bit better protecting the puck a bit more, and be a bit lower on his stance. Like I said, you live and you learn, and I’ll learn from that.”

Now the waiting game continues, as the Maple Leafs have one preseason game left before submitting their opening rosters for the 2025-26 NHL season. Despite a so-so game against the Red Wings, there’s no question Cowan’s done enough to prove that he belongs, and with his day-by-day mindset, he’s ready for whatever is thrown his way.

“I wouldn’t say nerve-wracking. I felt like I did good things and played some of my best hockey I’ve played in a while. And that’s a good 200-foot game, generating chances. Eventually, they’re going to go in. So I’m just going to keep having that mindset and keeping it day-by-day, like I’ve been saying.”